Meet Davonna Willis

We were lucky to catch up with Davonna Willis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Davonna, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I developed my confidence and self-esteem from my grandmother. She always taught me to hold my head up when walking and to look people directly in the eyes when speaking to them. She also encouraged me to be proud of my brown skin and always spoke highly of my complexion.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a respected health and wellness practitioner, an acclaimed entrepreneur, and educator, Davonna Willis is a passionate advocate for her colleagues and students. She has a Masters Degree in Health Education and Bachelors Degree in Athletic Training (Sports Medicine). Davonna has over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness field. Starting in the Bronx and moving her way west, Davonna is a well rounded business professional especially accomplished in the area of holistic physical rehabilitation therapy.

As Founder and CEO of 4 Nineteen Education & Training, Davonna is committed to establishing and sustaining high quality standards of care in the industry. As the leader of an award winning business, Davonna is widely known as someone who cares deeply about collaboration and relationships.

Davonna Willis is a nationally accredited CE Provider for Massage Therapists and Athletic Trainers through the NCBTMB & BOC.

She facilitates a variety of medical massage curricula and also offers consulting on marketing and strategy to new business enterprises.

Davonna is committed to the health and the development of her colleagues and students. She is an advocate in elevating the way massage is perceived in society so that people fully recognize the power of healing in an expert’s human touch. She received a Certificate of Excellence from MT Banquets in 2021. She has been on many podcasts and featured in articles. As well as written articles and have been a speaker/instructor at various conferences, private businesses and academic entities. Davonna is Founder of the Black Massage Therapist Conference which had the successful inaugural event on October 14, 2023 in Charlotte, NC. Due to the success of the first year, the Black Massage Therapist Conference will be an annual event every October.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Certainly, here’s a revised version of your content on self-determination, adaptability, and skillset:

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**Self-Determination, Adaptability, and Skillset**

Self-determination is an innate ability, a driving force that propels you to strive for the best for yourself and your family. It’s a quality that makes you unstoppable, regardless of the obstacles you face. This inner drive can take you far. My self-determination is further fueled by my spirituality and belief in God and Jesus Christ, pushing me beyond my own limits.

Adaptability has been crucial in my journey. Often, I found myself being “the only Black person, the only woman, or both” in the room. Adapting to my surroundings without losing my identity was essential. This adaptability allowed me to thrive in diverse environments while staying true to myself.

Finally, my skillset has been a cornerstone of my success. As my grandmother and mother always said, “No one can take away your education.” For the first 26 years of my life, I was immersed in a formal education setting. Now, I continue to learn through various means such as webinars, workshops, certification courses, and podcasts. This continuous learning ensures that my skills remain relevant and robust.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

As a continuing education (CE) provider for both athletic trainers and massage therapists, I am always seeking partnerships with individuals, employers, and schools. My goal is to offer their teams or students high-quality continuing education classes that enhance health treatments and services while improving business practices through simple processes and protocols.

Additionally, I am eager to collaborate with potential sponsors and vendors. Many companies and businesses are now focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. By partnering with the Black Massage Therapist Conference, you can support your goal of fostering diverse communities.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Stanley Debois- me on stage

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